IUMS declares solidarity with massive sit-ins and protests of Bangladeshi people on April 6th
All praise be to Allah and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, God’s messenger, his family, companions and followers;
The International Union of Muslim Scholars follows the tragic conditions in Bangladesh after the government used excessive violence facing protests against the unjust sentences against prominent scholars. More than 100 protesters were killed; thousands were wounded in addition to a recent increase in abuse and ridicule of Islamic sanctities under the sight and protection of the current government. Hence, major scholars in Bangladesh, on top of them sheikh and Mufti Ahmed Shafee`, have called all categories: parties, movements, agencies, and associations to hold massive protests in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on April 6th 2013 to defend the sanctities and symbols of Islam.
In light of this public protests on the one hand, and the continued oppression and obstinacy by the government on the other hand, the IUMS views what follows:
First: the union asserts its complete solidarity with this peaceful public protests to which the Mufti called all scholars, and which is a lawful and natural right to everyone. The union declares support to the protest, stresses the necessity that protests remain peaceful and far from violence, and addresses a call to the Bangladeshi people to participate in this demonstration to defend their sanctities and scholars.
Second: the union demands all political powers and civil organizations to respond to this protest, and unify all efforts to support the peaceful public demands. The issue now is no longer that of one group but has turned into a case for a people who hold their religion and sanctities dear. Allah has reminded us to: {fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves: Obey Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe."} [Quran 8:1], {O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).} [Quran 9:119], {"And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant, * "Who cause mischief in the land, and do not mend (their ways)."} [Quran 26:151-152].
Third: the union demands the Bangladeshi government to guarantee the protection of rights and freedoms and calls the authorities in Bangladesh to make sure that immediate, transparent and just investigations will be made concerning all the killings committed regardless of the entity of the doer. The government holds complete responsibility before God, before the people and history for everything that has been done and for all the undergoing violations of human rights, and oppression of the people, especially scholars and preachers and we must know that the destiny of oppression is to diminish as Allah has clarified: { (All) these who transgressed beyond bounds in the lands, *And heaped therein mischief (on mischief). * Therefore did your Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastisements: *For your Lord is ever watchful.} [Quran 89: 11-14].
Fourth: the union demands Arab and Muslim countries, at the forefront of them the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to come out of their silence, and translate solidarity with the oppressed into practical steps on the ground that crystallize in pressuring the current government to immediately stop all forms of violence that has currently continued for two months. These are oppressed brothers of ours asking us to stand by them with all available capabilities that lead to lifting the injustice and rigidity, achieve justice and equality, for Allah Almighty said: {The Believers are but brothers: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that you may receive Mercy.} [Quran 49:10].
{ And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!}
[Quran 26:227].
And from Allah we seek assistance!
Doha : 22 Jumada Al-Awwal 1434 H
Dated : 3 April 2013
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President